MEDIA CONTACT
Garret Swanson, (402) 480-0883,
garret.swanson@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – In January 2021, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program entered into sub-award agreements with Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and the Charles Drew Health Center to provide services in the State.
The goals of the program are to:
- strengthen positive father-child engagement;
- improve healthy relationships (including couple and co-parenting and marriage), and
- improve employment and economic mobility opportunities for noncustodial fathers.
Training topics include parent skills development, domestic violence, effective co-parenting, employment readiness, child support and other needs-based training.
Lutheran Family Services and the Charles Drew Health Center have contractual agreements with Legal Aid of Nebraska. Lutheran Family Services also has an agreement with RISE, a Nebraska reentry program that is currently in 7 Nebraska prisons. Both providers have also developed partnerships and relationships with several county jails, probation/parole offices, treatment centers, child support offices, faith-based organizations/churches, homeless shelters, schools, and many other service organizations.
Nebraskans eligible to receive services include fathers who are TANF eligible, although TANF eligibility is not required. Fathers whose income is below 200% of the poverty level, fathers who are non-custodial parents, and fathers who are unemployed or underemployed are encouraged to participate. The Charles Drew Health Center provides services in Douglas County while Lutheran Family Services supports Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Cass, Dodge, Lancaster and communities across the state such as Kearney, Grand Island, Lexington, and North Platte.
“This program validates the important role of fathers," said Children and Family Services Director Stephanie Beasley. “Having two parents focused on enriching a child's life aids in the development and success of children. Though not every family is the same, DHHS is committed to providing resources and programs to families needing support."
In 2021, a total of 166 Nebraska fathers participated in the Responsible Fatherhood program with 51 fathers gaining employment. There were 531 referrals made to outside agencies for other services.
Outreach meetings continue to be in progress for 2022. Plans are being made to provide more services and staff in central and western parts of Nebraska as well as in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. Referrals for Responsible Fatherhood services can be made by phone or electronically at the following:
- Charles Drew Health Center - Douglas County Only
- Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska